Help w/Replacing Seals on Mamiya Press Backs

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
199,077
Messages
2,785,905
Members
99,798
Latest member
jmarkus
Recent bookmarks
0

Neil Poulsen

Member
Joined
May 28, 2005
Messages
521
Format
4x5 Format
I have four sets of seals for Mamiya Press 6x9 backs that I want to install, and I have a couple of questions.

>> Examining the back, it appears to me that the only seal to replace is the rectangular seal that surrounds the 6x9 opening for the film. Is this correct? The set of seals also includes some long and short strips. But, I don't see where these should go on the back.

>> The foam seals that I'm replacing are pretty deteriorated in their grooves. What kind of solvent should I use to remove the deteriorated foam? I was thinking of using a wood tooth pick to remove the old seals, so as not to scratch the metal.

>> Anything else that I should consider in replacing these seals?

Neil
 

shutterfinger

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
5,020
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Format
4x5 Format
I have not worked on the roll film holders you are asking about but I have serviced other makes.
Top and bottom covers often times have a seal between the cover and holder frame, they will not be obvious until you remove the cover.

As for removing the goo from the grove try Acetone, also sold as Nail Polish Remover, and cotton swabs.
 

bsdunek

Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
1,611
Location
Michigan
Format
Multi Format
There are seals in four places -
1-Where the back contacts the camera. This is a foam strip around the opening in front of the dark slide.
2-In the groove of the back cover that opens. This is like a foam 'string' that is in the bottom of the groove, top and bottem.
3-Next to the hinge of the back cover that opens. A narrow vertical foam strip about 5/32 wide.
4-At the latch end of the back cover that opens. Another narrow vertical foam strip about 5/32 wide.
Acetone will work, but be careful, as it will remove paint and dissolve plastic parts. I use naptha, which I buy as Coleman Fuel. With careful use it doesn't seem to hurt anything - still be careful.
 

John Koehrer

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
8,277
Location
Aurora, Il
Format
Multi Format

M Carter

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Messages
2,147
Location
Dallas, TX
Format
Medium Format
The Coleman fuel/white gas is good in that it evaporates fast and leaves nothing behind... but that stuff is incredibly flammable. The vapors are explosive and it makes a LOT of vapor. (I do use it for Bromoil cleanup, but I do it outdoors when possible).

The 90% alcohol you can buy at the drugstore (vs. the lower percentage grocery store stuff) works well - "goo gone" works great and evaporates reasonably fast.

I like bamboo skewers - the points are very sharp and very hard - and you can cut them in half at angles to make wedges or scrapers. (And I grill a lot so there's always a big bag around...)

Ever since I was a kid, the smell of acetone has made me violently ill (which is a problem with a wife and 2 daughters which equals 60 nails). Not as bad as an adult, but dislike the stuff. It can melt plastics and paints.
 

ColinRH

Subscriber
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
137
Location
Sussex coast
Format
Large Format
I might suggest that when replacing the foam strips; if they are pre-glued, run a small amount of isopropyl alcohol along the foam but ON the glue. It temporarily softens it and therefore when you put it place it can still be moved around so that it can then be placed in the exact place.
It helps a sticky job.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom